Wednesday, November 5, 2008

12:32 AM

Assembly Dems have picked up at least five GOP seats, enough to give them back the majority in the chamber for the first time since 1994, according to returns and interviews with operatives from both sides.

Complete numbers have not been posted in several key races yet. But both sides say Dems have picked up the 2nd, 42nd, 57th, 68th and 92nd. There are also several pick up opportunities that remain for Dems, while only freshman Rep. Kim Hixson seems to be in any danger of losing. Both sides say they expect late returns to break his way.

Also, Jeff Wood has won re-election as an independent after leaving the GOP earlier this year, further cutting into the 52 seats Republican had held at the beginning of the legislative session.